Introducing Coherent's Groundbreaking L-Band 800G Transceivers

Revolutionizing Optical Networking with New Transceivers

Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a prominent player in the realm of high-speed optical networking technology, is setting new standards with its announcement of the industry’s first L-band 800 Gbps coherent pluggable transceiver in a QSFP-DD form factor. This revolutionary product exemplifies Coherent's commitment to innovation and will be featured at the upcoming ECOC 2024 event.

The Need for Enhanced Fiber Capacity

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, hyperscale data centers and telecom carriers are in constant pursuit of solutions that can expand fiber capacity without incurring exorbitant costs. The shift from C-band to L-band technology is pivotal, doubling fiber capacity from 32 Tbps to 64 Tbps. Traditionally, L-band technology has relied on proprietary systems from network equipment manufacturers. However, Coherent's new 800G ZR/ZR+ pluggable module ushers in a new era of standardization, fostering an open ecosystem that also reduces equipment size and boosts efficiency.

The Role of Innovation in Optical Transmission

Dr. Beck Mason, Executive Vice President of Telecommunications at Coherent, emphasized the company's dedication to advancing optical transmission technology. “Building on the success of our world’s first C-band 140 GBaud IC-TROSA technology, we have now successfully extended our innovations to the L-band. This advancement allows us to provide both C-band and L-band 800G coherent transceivers with exceptional optical output power,” he explained. The advancements signify a leap forward, enhancing the capabilities within core networks through proprietary indium phosphide technology.

Market Insights and Growth Potential

As the demand for bandwidth in data center interconnect (DCI) and telecommunications networks escalates, the importance of L-band transmission cannot be overstated. Kyle Hollasch, a leading analyst at Cignal AI, pointed out that shipments of L-band ROADMs have nearly doubled in the last year. Furthermore, the needs of hyperscale DCI are projected to accelerate the growth of the market for L-band coherent pluggable transceivers.

Cost Reduction and Efficiency Improvements

Coherent's L-band 800G ZR/ZR+ transceivers will soon be available in both QSFP-DD and OSFP form factors. This strategy aims to elevate the performance and capacity coverage of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) applications. By integrating coherent interfaces directly onto routers and switches, Coherent eliminates the requirement for additional optical equipment, leading to a staggering cost reduction of over 400%.

Technological Advantages and Features

The innovative 800G ZR/ZR+ transceiver leverages Coherent's proprietary L-band 140 Gbaud IC-TROSA-integrated coherent optical subassembly. This design features a high-efficiency modulator and receiver, all housed within a compact form factor along with an embedded wavelength-tunable laser. Such advancements offer significant advantages in terms of cost, energy consumption, size, and performance when compared to traditional L-band systems based on silicon photonics.

The Future of Network Capacity

As bandwidth demands continue to soar, driven by the advent of Generative AI and skyrocketing video consumption across devices, AE Natarajan, the Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Juniper Networks, reflects on the imperative to address these demands. He highlighted that incorporating L-band 800 ZR/ZR+ pluggable solutions is not only valuable but reassuring for network operators. Many, he notes, anticipated the industry's evolution and invested in L-band-ready line systems, priming themselves for rapid scaling of network capacity.

Demonstrating the Future at ECOC 2024

Coherent plans to showcase the 800G L-band transceiver module during ECOC 2024, highlighting its capabilities within an IP-over-DWDM configuration on a Juniper PTX10002-36QDD router. Designed for various line modulation formats, this advanced module supports innovative applications, including extended-reach at 800 Gbps, 600 Gbps, and 400 Gbps long-reach technologies.

The future of optical networking is on the horizon as customer sampling for this game-changing technology is set to begin in the forthcoming quarter of 2024.

About Coherent Corp.

Coherent is at the forefront of industry's most critical innovations, empowering market leaders to shape tomorrow through groundbreaking technologies. With a portfolio that spans materials to complex systems, Coherent provides solutions that resonate within diversified sectors such as communications, electronics, industrial applications, and instrumentation. Headquartered in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, Coherent's global footprint encompasses extensive research, development, manufacturing, sales, and support facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Coherent's 800G ZR/ZR+ transceivers innovative?

The 800G ZR/ZR+ transceivers are the first L-band coherent pluggable transceivers, allowing for greater fiber capacity and reduced costs in networking.

How do these transceivers impact telecom networks?

These transceivers enhance the capacity of existing fiber networks, facilitating better performance and reliable high-speed data transmission.

Where will Coherent showcase this technology?

Coherent will demonstrate the 800G L-band transceiver module at ECOC 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany.

What are the expected benefits of using these new transceivers?

Benefits include significant cost reductions, improved efficiency, and doubling of fiber capacity with L-band technology.

When will customer sampling begin for the new transceivers?

Customer sampling for the 800G L-band ZR/ZR+ transceivers is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024.

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